Bustamante Hospital for Children ICU Temporarily Closed

Jan 13, 2017 | Kingston

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Bustamante Hospital for Children has been temporarily closed due to a fire in the unit last night. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. in the consultant’s room, but was quickly contained by members of staff using an extinguisher. The Fire Department was also called to the hospital for further assistance.

Four patients who were being cared for in the ICU were immediately evacuated to another section of the hospital. These patients were not affected by the fire, however, they are currently being monitored closely by hospital staff. One member of staff was treated for smoke inhalation.

An assessment of the damage caused by the fire will commence immediately so that repair work can be affected in order for the ICU to be reopened in the shortest time possible. In light of the closure, all future paediatric ICU patients will be facilitated at the University Hospital of the West Indies until the Bustamante Hospital for Children’s ICU is reopened.

The Region wishes to thank the staff at the Bustamante Hospital for Children for their valiant efforts to preserve and protect the lives of the patients during this incident.